Patent Grant
9395711
The present disclosure relates to monitoring equipment operating parameter modifications, evaluating an impact of operating parameter modifications, and, more particularly, to a system and method for monitoring and evaluating operating parameter modifications of equipment for refrigeration, HVAC, lighting, anti-condensate heating, and other systems.
This section includes certain background and other information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.
Retail outlets, particularly food retailers, require a plurality of systems during operation. Such systems often include refrigeration, HVAC, lighting, anti-condensate heating (ACH), defrost, and other building control systems. Each of these systems include associated equipment to perform various functions. For example, refrigeration systems include compressors, condensers, evaporators, and the like, to cool refrigeration cases to a desired temperature.
The various types of equipment may operate at certain operating parameters, or setpoints. A setpoint may define an operating condition of the equipment and may be adjusted to provide a desired output from the equipment. For example, a setpoint of an electronic pressure regulator may be adjusted to maintain a desired pressure within an evaporator of a refrigeration system. Further, a compressor rack may have a suction pressure setpoint whereby capacity of the compressor rack is increased if monitored suction pressure exceeds the suction pressure setpoint and capacity of the compressor rack is decreased if monitored suction pressure falls below the suction pressure setpoint. Similarly, an HVAC system may have a room temperature setpoint whereby the HVAC system provides heating if the room temperature falls below the room temperature setpoint and/or provides cooling if the room temperature exceeds the room temperature setpoint.
Because the equipment of the various systems consumes power during operation, the amount of power consumed by a particular piece of equipment may be affected by the setpoint value. A modification of a setpoint value may result in increased or decreased energy consumption by the corresponding piece of equipment.
Generally, a retailer may configure particular systems of its associated retail locations to operate at an optimized level. Thus, optimized set points may be determined and set so that the systems operate in an efficient manner. However, setpoints may be modified for various reasons by contractors working at local retailer site locations. For example, setpoint changes may be made during maintenance or cleaning activities. Contractors at the site locations may not return the setpoints to their previous levels, resulting in undesired or inefficient operation of the corresponding equipment. Further, a setpoint modification may be made to respond to localized conditions. A contractor at a site location, however, may incorrectly adjust the setpoint or overcompensate for the localized condition. Additionally, a contractor may not adjust the correct setpoint to address the localized condition. Moreover, the adjustment of one or more setpoints to address a particular localized condition may have an effect on other systems at the local site, resulting in additional conditions for the contractor to address, and additional setpoint modifications for additional systems. As a result, the iterations of setpoint modifications may result in inefficient overall operation of the equipment.
Traditionally, it is difficult for a retailer to routinely monitor the setpoints of the systems and equipment at its various retail locations.
A system for monitoring optimal equipment operating parameters is described in the commonly assigned patent titled “System For Monitoring Optimal Equipment Operating Parameters,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,173, issued on May 3, 2005, and in the commonly assigned application titled “System For Monitoring Optimal Equipment Operating Parameters,” U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0020426, published on Jan. 26, 2006, both of which are explicitly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. An enterprise control and monitoring system and method is described in the application titled “Enterprise Control and Monitoring System and Method,” U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0242200, published on Oct. 26, 2006 and assigned to Computer Process Controls, Inc., which is also explicitly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
A system is provided and includes a controller that operates at least one piece of equipment according to a plurality of setpoint values and a setpoint monitor in communication with the controller. The setpoint monitor receives a plurality of setpoint modifications, each setpoint modification corresponding to a modification of one of the plurality of setpoint values. The setpoint monitor calculates an expected change in energy consumption of the at least one piece of equipment for each of the plurality of setpoint modifications and ranks the plurality of setpoint modifications based on the expected change in energy consumption. A first terminal is in communication with the setpoint monitor. The first terminal displays the plurality of setpoint modifications in an order based on the ranking of the plurality of setpoint modifications and receives input for each setpoint modification of the plurality of setpoint modifications indicating one of approval or rejection of the setpoint modification.
A method is provided and includes receiving, with a setpoint monitor in communication with a controller that operates at least one piece of equipment according to a plurality of setpoint values, a plurality of setpoint modifications, each setpoint modification corresponding to a modification of one of the plurality of setpoint values. The method also includes calculating, with the setpoint monitor, an expected change in energy consumption of the at least one piece of equipment for each of the plurality of setpoint modifications. The method also includes ranking, with the setpoint monitor, the plurality of setpoint modifications based on the expected change in energy consumption. The method also includes displaying, on a first terminal in communication with the setpoint monitor, the plurality of setpoint modifications in an order based on the ranking of the plurality of setpoint modifications. The method also includes receiving, with the first terminal, input for each setpoint modification of the plurality of setpoint modifications indicating one of approval or rejection of the setpoint modification.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of exemplary embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As used herein, the term module, control module, computer, and/or controller refer to one or more of the following: a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs or a portion of one or more software or firmware programs; an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. As used herein, computer readable medium may refer to any medium capable of storing data for a computer or module, including, but not limited to, memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, CD-ROM, floppy disk, magnetic tape, other magnetic medium, optical medium, or any other device or medium capable of storing data that is readable by a computer.
The present system and method for monitoring and evaluating equipment operating parameter modifications provides a comprehensive tool for remote energy managers or energy specialists to monitor and evaluate equipment operating parameter, or setpoint, modifications made by contractors or other local repair persons or users at local site locations, to approve or reject each setpoint modification made at the local site location, to correspond with local users at the local site locations, to provide further instructions to local users with respect to the setpoint modification, to request additional information regarding the setpoint modification from the local users, to receive requested additional information from the local users, and to confirm whether the local users have agreed or disagreed with rejected setpoint modifications. In this way, the present system and method provides an interface for remote energy managers or energy specialists and local contractors or users to challenge and dispute each other with respect to proposed setpoint modifications.
With reference to
A single controller 104 may control one or more building systems 120, 122, 124, 126 located at a particular location or site 130. For example, a single controller 104 may control both a refrigeration system 120 and an ACH system 122. Further, a single controller 104 may also control both a lighting system 124 and an HVAC system 126. The controllers 104 may be Einstein or E2 controllers available from Computer Process Controls, Inc., 1640 Airport Road, Suite #104, Kennesaw, Ga., 31044, such as the E2 RX refrigeration controller, the E2 BX HVAC controller, or the E2 CX convenience store controller. A single controller 104 may control a single building system, such as refrigeration system 120, ACH system 122, lighting system 124, or HVAC system 126 or any combination of refrigeration system 124, ACH system 122, lighting system 124, or HVAC system 126. While only one of the sites 130 is expanded in
Controller 104 may store setpoints for any building systems 120, 122, 124, 126 under its control and may operate any building systems 120, 122, 124, 126 under its control according to the stored setpoints.
Controller 104 may communicate with setpoint monitor and server 102 through network 110. For example, setpoint monitor and server 102 may poll controllers 104 at each of the sites 130 to determine whether any setpoints have been modified at that particular controller 104. Setpoint monitor and server 102 may compare all setpoints associated with a particular controller 104 with the setpoints previously stored in database 106 for that particular controller 104 to determine whether any setpoints have been modified. Alternatively, controllers 104 may store a setpoint modification flag indicating setpoint modifications have been made at that particular controller 104. Controllers 104 may also maintain a log of setpoint modifications. In such case setpoint monitor and server 102 can check the log each time it polls the particular controller 104 to determine whether any setpoint modifications have occurred since the last time the particular controller 104 was polled.
Alternatively, controllers 104 may be configured to initiate communication with setpoint monitor and server 102 to alert setpoint monitor and server 102 each time a setpoint modification is made at the controller. In such case, setpoint monitor and server 102 may, at any time, have the most current and up-to-date data with respect to the setpoints associated with each controller 104. Alternatively, controllers 104 may be configured to report to setpoint monitor and server 102 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., once per day or once per hour) to update setpoint monitor and server 102 as to any setpoint modifications since the last report. For example, each controller 104 may communicate all of its associated setpoints to setpoint monitor and server 102 at the predetermined time. Setpoint monitor and server 102 can then compare each setpoint with the previously stored setpoints to determine whether a setpoint modification has occurred. For another example, each controller 104 may communicate setpoint modifications to setpoint monitor and server 102 at the predetermined time.
Exemplary building systems are described with reference to
In
Compressors 4302 compress refrigerant vapor that is delivered to a condenser 4320. Condenser fans 4322 may enable improved heat transfer from the condenser 4320. Condenser 4320 may include an associated ambient temperature sensor 4324, a condenser temperature sensor 4326, and a condenser discharge pressure sensor 4328. The various sensors may each be connected to the controller 104 which controls condenser fan operation.
Each refrigeration case 4300 may include its own evaporator 4330, its own expansion valve 4332 for controlling the superheat of the refrigerant, and its own temperature sensor 4334. A case controller 4340 may control the refrigeration cases 4300 and may be connected to controller 104. Additional case controllers 4340 may be used as needed. Alternatively, controller 104 may control refrigeration cases 4300 directly. Refrigerant passes through expansion valve 4332 where a pressure drop causes the high pressure liquid refrigerant to achieve a lower pressure combination of liquid and vapor. The temperature sensor 4334 may be connected to the case controller 4340 which communicates with controller 104.
As with all of the building systems, controller 104 may receive operating data for the refrigeration system 120 from the respective temperature, pressure, and current sensors. The operating data, along with various operating parameters such as the stored setpoints, may be used by the controller 104 to operate refrigeration system 120.
To adjust operation of refrigeration system 120, a user, such as a contractor, may input setpoint modifications into controller 104.
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In block 204, setpoint monitor and server 102 may display a current setpoint value and a benchmark value for each “pending” setpoint modification received. The benchmark value for a particular setpoint may be the last accepted or approved value for the benchmark. If a value for the particular setpoint has not yet been accepted or approved, the benchmark value may be displayed as “not set.”
For example, as shown in
As another example, as shown in
With reference again to
For example, in the first row of the listing shown in
With reference again to
In block 210, for each “rejected” setpoint modification, setpoint monitor and server 102 may receive comments from an energy specialist regarding the rejection. For example, as shown in
With reference again to
With reference now to
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By “agreeing” with the energy specialist, the contractor is indicating that the setpoint will be returned to its original value that it had prior to the proposed setpoint modification. For example, in the first row of the listing in
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With reference again to
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In this way, a contest may arise between an energy specialist and a contractor with respect to certain challenged setpoint modifications and with respect to the reasons for the modification and the reasons for returning the setpoint modification to its original or benchmark value. A pending setpoint modification will remain challenged or pending until an energy specialist “approves” the modification or until a contractor “agrees” to return the setpoint to its original or benchmark value. Alternatively, an energy specialist and a contractor may agree to a compromise value for the particular setpoint.
Operation of the setpoint monitor and server will now be described with reference to
With reference to
As shown in
With reference to
The menu of options 402 may include only those options/actions available to the particular user. For example, Energy Manager users may see only Energy Manager options/actions. Energy Specialist users may see only Energy Specialist options/actions. Contractors may see only Contractor options/actions.
In
With reference to
As shown in
The Site 500 corresponds with the site where the equipment corresponding with the particular setpoint modification is located. The Contractor 502 corresponds with the particular contractor responsible for the particular setpoint modification. A single site may have one or more contractors that perform service on equipment at the site. The Verification Date 504 corresponds with the date and time when the setpoint monitor and server 102 last verified the current value of the particular setpoint. The Original Change date 506 corresponds with the date when the setpoint modification was initially made. The Unit 508 corresponds with the particular unit of equipment corresponding with the particular setpoint modification. The Application Type 510 corresponds with the particular type of application of the equipment corresponding to the particular setpoint modification. The Application Instance 512 corresponds with the name of the particular instances of the particular unit of equipment at the site corresponding with the particular setpoint modification. The Setpoint 514 corresponds with the particular setpoint that is the subject of the particular setpoint modification. The Benchmark setpoint 516 corresponds with the benchmark or previously approved value for the corresponding setpoint. The Current setpoint 518 correspond with the current value for the corresponding setpoint. The Units 520 corresponds with the units for the Benchmark setpoint 516 and Current setpoint 518 values. The State 522 corresponds with the current state of the corresponding setpoint modification. The Response by Energy Specialist 524 corresponds with the current Energy Specialist response to the corresponding setpoint modification. The Energy Specialist Comment 600 corresponds with the comment entry field for any Energy Specialist comments on the corresponding setpoint modification. The Contractor Comment 602 corresponds with the comment entry field for any Contractor comments on the corresponding setpoint modification.
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As an example, a 10 ton compressor rack may use around 15 KW of electricity when operating at a suction pressure setpoint of 50 PSI. As a general rule, for example, a 1 PSI suction pressure setpoint change for the rack may result in a 1.5% increase in energy usage. Thus, when the suction pressure setpoint of the compressor rack is lowered from 50 PSI to 45 PSI, the estimated impact may be 1.1 KW, i.e., 15 KW*(50−45)*0.015=1.1 KW.
With reference to
In block 3806, setpoint monitor and server 102 may determine an active benchmark suction setpoint using specific rules for the specific type of controller used with the particular suction group. In block 3808, setpoint monitor and server 102 may determine an active current suction setpoint using specific rules for the specific type of controller used with the particular suction group. In block 3810, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an effective average benchmark suction pressure over a predetermined time period. In block 3812, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate a current average suction pressure setting. In this way, blocks 3802, 3806, and 3810 relate to benchmark setpoint values and blocks 3804, 3808, and 3812 relate to current setpoint values.
In block 3814, setpoint monitor and server 102 may apply controller type specific rules, corresponding to the specific type of controller used with the particular suction group, about the change of state between the benchmark value or values, e.g., the average benchmark suction pressure from block 3810, and the current value or values, e.g., the current average suction pressure setting from block 3812.
In block 3816, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an effective average change in the suction pressure setting, for example. In block 3818, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate a rack base load using site or store format information or additional configuration information.
In block 3820, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate a KW change based, for example, on the calculated effective average change in the suction pressure setting from block 3816 and the calculated rack base load from block 3818. In this way, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an estimated change in energy consumption based on a setpoint modification for a suction group.
With reference to
In block 3836, setpoint monitor and server 102 may determine an active benchmark condenser operating pressure setpoint using specific rules for the specific type of controller used with the particular condenser or condenser group. In block 3838, setpoint monitor and server 102 may determine an active current condenser operating pressure setpoint using specific rules for the specific type of controller used with the particular condenser or condenser group. In block 3840, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an effective average benchmark condenser operating pressure setpoint over a predetermined time period. In block 3842, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate a current average condenser operating pressure setpoint. In this way, blocks 3832, 3836, and 3840 relate to benchmark setpoint values and blocks 3834, 3838, and 3842 relate to current setpoint values.
In block 3844, setpoint monitor and server 102 may apply controller type specific rules, corresponding to the specific type of controller used with the particular condenser or condenser group, about the change of state between the benchmark value or values, e.g., the average benchmark condenser operating pressure setpoint from block 3840, and the current value or values, e.g., the current average condenser operating pressure setpoint from block 3842.
In block 3846, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an effective average change in the condenser operating pressure, for example. In block 3848, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate a rack base load using site or store format information or additional configuration information.
In block 3850, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate a KW change based, for example, on the calculated effective average change in condenser operating pressure from block 3846 and the calculated rack base load from block 3848. In this way, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an estimated change in energy consumption based on a setpoint modification for a condenser or condenser group.
With reference to
In block 3870, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an effective average benchmark anti-sweat heater output percentage on time using controller type specific rules, corresponding to the specific type of controller used with the particular anti-sweat heater or anti-sweat heater group over a predetermined time period. In block 3872, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an effective average current anti-sweat heater output percentage on time using controller type specific rules, corresponding to the specific type of controller used with the particular anti-sweat heater or anti-sweat heater group over a predetermined time period. In this way, blocks 3862 and 3870 relate to benchmark setpoint values and blocks 3864 and 3872 relate to current setpoint values.
In block 3876, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an effective average change in anti-sweat heater output percentage on time, for example. In block 3878, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an anti-sweat full on load using site or store format information or additional configuration information.
In block 3880, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate a KW change based, for example, on the calculated effective average change in anti-sweat heater output percentage on time from block 3876 and the calculated anti-sweat heater full on load from block 3878. In this way, setpoint monitor and server 102 may calculate an estimated change in energy consumption based on a setpoint modification for an anti-sweat heater or anti-sweat heater group.
With reference to
With reference to
As part of the ranking/prioritizing of the setpoint modifications according to corresponding impact on energy consumption in block 3926, setpoint monitor and server 102 may also categorize the setpoint modifications. For example, setpoints modifications with a corresponding increase in energy consumption that is greater than a predetermined threshold may be categorized in a “high priority” or “urgent” category. When a high priority setpoint modification is received, setpoint monitor and server 102 may notify or alert an energy manager or energy specialist as appropriate.
In this way, based on the prioritizing/ranking/categorizing of setpoint modifications according to a corresponding impact on energy consumption, energy specialists and energy managers may be able to focus attention on the setpoint modifications that have the largest impact on energy consumption.
With reference to
The Benefit-Loss Summary Report may include a Benefit Summary table 3202 and a Leakage Summary table 3204.
The Benefit Summary table 3202 may summarize energy savings, or “benefits,” resulting from setpoint modifications being reverted to benchmark setpoint values over the specified time periods. For example, Benefit Summary table 3202 may include data for changes reverted prior to the specified time period, e.g., prior to March 2009, data for changes reverted during the specified time period, e.g., between March 2009 and April 2009, and data for all changes reverted to the end of the specified time period, e.g., all changes reverted through April 2009. In each case, the Benefit Summary table 3202 may include the total count of reverted setpoint modifications, i.e., the total number of times a setpoint modification was changed back to a benchmark value. In each case, the Benefit Summary table 3202 may also include the total sum of Kilo-Watt Hours (KWH) associated with the reverted changes, the total monetary amount associated with the total KWH, e.g., the total dollar amount, and the annualized monetary amount, e.g., the annualized dollar amount. The total monetary amount and the annualized dollar amount may be based on applicable energy costs for the associated local site. In this way, setpoint monitor and server 102 may apply energy cost data to the estimated/calculated energy savings data, to display the total dollar cost savings and the annualized dollar cost savings associated with the reverted setpoint modifications in the Benefit Summary table 3202. In this way, the Benefit Summary table 3202 may display the total and annualized monetary savings associated with having reverted setpoint modifications over the specified time period.
The Leakage Summary table 3204 may summarize energy losses or “leakages” resulting from setpoint modifications not being reverted to benchmark setpoint values over the specified time periods. For example, Leakage Summary table 3204 may include data for changes that were not reverted prior to the specified time period, e.g., prior to March 2009, data for changes that were not reverted during the specified time period, e.g., between March 2009 and April 2009, and data for all changes that were not reverted to the end of the specified time period, e.g., all changes not reverted through April 2009. In each case, the Leakage Summary table 3204 may include the total count of reverted setpoint modifications that were not reverted, i.e., the total number of times a setpoint modification was not changed back to a benchmark value. In each case, the Leakage Summary table 3204 may also include the total sum of Kilo-Watt Hours (KWH) associated with not having reverted the changes, the total monetary amount associated with the total KWH, e.g., the total dollar amount, and the annualized monetary amount, e.g., the annualized dollar amount. The total monetary amount and the annualized dollar amount may be based on applicable energy costs for the associated local site. In this way, setpoint monitor and server 102 may apply energy cost data to the estimated/calculated energy savings data, to display the total dollar cost and the annualized dollar cost associated with not having reverted setpoint modifications in the Leakage Summary table 3204. In this way, the Leakage Summary table 3204 may display the total and annualized monetary loss associated with not having reverted setpoint modifications over the specified time period.
With reference to
The Contractor Scorecard 3300 may display, in bar graph format and in table format, the number of setpoint modifications that were approved, the number of setpoint modifications that are currently pending review by an Energy Specialist, the number of setpoint modifications that were reverted or reset to the benchmark setpoint value, and the total number of unresolved setpoint modifications.
With reference to
The Setpoint Most Changes Scorecard 3400 may display the contractors with the most setpoint changes or modifications in a bar graph format. Alternatively, the Setpoint Most Changes Scorecard 3400 may display the contractors with the most setpoint changes or modifications in a table format.
With reference to
The Setpoint Most Losses Scorecard 3500 may display the contractors that have the most associated energy losses resulting from not having reverted setpoint modifications to benchmark values. The data may be displayed in a bar graph format showing total monetary amount lost. Alternatively, the Setpoint Most Losses Scorecard 3500 may display the contractors with the most losses in a table format.
With reference to
The Setpoint Exceptions Report 3600 may display all setpoint exceptions for the inputted time period. Similar to the “Approve/Reject Changes” display, discussed above with respect to
As described above, an Energy Specialist may approve or reject setpoint modifications made by a contractor. Setpoint monitor and server 102 may notice or monitor trends that develop in the approval or rejection of setpoint modifications and may suggest rules to apply to future setpoint modifications. Once certain rules are developed, future setpoint modifications may be automatically approved or rejected based on the rule. Further, an Energy Specialist may enter a rule for application to future setpoint modifications.
With reference to
In block 4010, setpoint monitor and server 102 may receive the Energy Specialist's response to the suggested rule. In block 4012, when the suggested rule is accepted, setpoint monitor and server 102 may add the new setpoint modification rule to database 106. In block 4014, when the suggested rule is accepted, setpoint monitor and server 102 may discard the setpoint modification rule or save the rule to be re-suggested in the future.
In this way, setpoint monitor and server 102 may determine and suggest new setpoint modification rules to be applied to future setpoint modifications made by Contractors.
With reference to
For the first option 4100, setpoint monitor and server 102 suggests to automatically apply a rule to “Site 1” and reject all changes where the “SUCT PRESS SETPT” has been lowered by more than 1.7 psi for ComTrol Xml Controllers. The user may modify the suggested rule to apply to additional or different sites. Further, the user may modify the suggested rule to apply for psi modifications different than the suggested 1.7 psi. Further, the user may modify the suggested rule to apply to additional or different controllers than the suggested “ComTrol Xml” controller.
For the second option 4102, setpoint monitor and server 102 suggests to automatically apply the same rule as in the first option except that the applicable setpoint modifications will be marked for rejection, but the Energy Specialist will ultimately use the approve/reject page to accept or reject all setpoint modifications, including the setpoint modifications marked by the rule.
For the third option 4104, the user can indicate that the suggested rule is a reasonable rule, but withhold final judgment as to whether to accept the rule for a later time. Further, the user can request that no additional rules be suggested for the day. In this way, the user may delay making a final decision with respect to the suggested rule.
For the fourth option 4106, the user can reject the rule outright.
With reference to
In block 4208, when the current setpoint modification satisfies a rule in the database, setpoint monitor and server accepts or rejects the current setpoint modification according to the rule.
With reference to
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/908,625, filed Jun. 3, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,761,908, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/789,562, filed May 28, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,473,106, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/182,436, filed on May 29, 2009. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140303752 A1 | Oct 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61182436 | May 2009 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13908625 | Jun 2013 | US |
| Child | 14310196 | US | |
| Parent | 12789562 | May 2010 | US |
| Child | 13908625 | US |
